Lough Neagh: NIEA Powers

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs – in the Northern Ireland Assembly am 3:00 pm ar 17 Mehefin 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Andrew Muir Andrew Muir Alliance 3:00, 17 Mehefin 2024

I thank the Member for his question. I am doing that and will continue to do so, because it is important that there is stakeholder engagement on the issues.

I am aware of what was reported in the 'Spotlight' programme a few weeks ago. It was extremely difficult and concerning viewing not just for me but for the people of Northern Ireland, and I have been acting on what was reported in it. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency is now reviewing its protocols on how it works with Northern Ireland Water in terms of the enforcement of trade discharge consent breaches. We are also considering how we monitor and respond to cases of lower risk but, importantly, cumulative trade discharge consent breaches. It is important that we consider when there are cumulative breaches on this. We are also doing work on environmental governance, as I have outlined, including the case for an independent environmental protection agency. In addition, I will engage with Moy Park to outline my severe concern about the pattern of cumulative breaches and to seek plans for how it intends to swiftly rectify those issues.